Editor - Citynet

Build a New Home with Connectivity in Mind

When you build a home, you make plans for plumbing, electrical, and insulation. Why not also plan for internet connectivity?

With the average household now using dozens of connected smart home tech such as TVs, phones, computers, and even vacuum cleaners, connectivity is no longer optional. Planning ahead to include connectivity in your construction designs will save you money and can even increase home value.

Smart Tips for Building a Fiber-Ready Home

1. Fiber Is the Future

Fiber internet is the gold standard for speed, reliability, and future-proof performance. If you’re early enough in your home-building process that you don’t have property purchased yet, CITYNET can help you make sure you’re shopping in a fiber-served area. After all, your new home deserves the best internet in the region.

Already purchased your property? Give us a call at 304.848.5400 or 1.844.CITYNET. We’ll check now to see if fiber internet from CITYNET is available in your area. If so, we’ll be able to go ahead and start your order so everything is in our system when you’re ready to turn on your electricity, water, and other utilities.

2. Plan for a Central Network Hub (a.k.a. Data Closet)

Having a dedicated space for your network equipment will be a huge benefit in hiding your equipment while also ensuring solid connectivity throughout your home. Designate a centrally located utility room, hallway closet, or finished space for your networking equipment. Think of it like a central nervous system for your home’s connectivity.

This space should include:

Several power outlets (for routers, switches, battery back-ups, etc.)
Ventilation or passive airflow (these devices generate heat)
Space for ONT (optical network terminal), router, and battery backup unit (BBU), all at working level, not on the floor or mounted to the ceiling
Conduit access to attic or crawlspace for future expansion

Avoid locating your data closet near your electrical panel, HVAC system, or water heater, as these can interfere with wireless signals.

3. Install Ethernet Ports in Every Room

Even with strong WiFi, wired connections are faster, more secure, and more reliable, especially for bandwidth-heavy tasks. Hardwiring Ethernet (Cat6 or higher) in key rooms such as bedrooms, offices, living/family room, and even the kitchen improves speed, reliability, and your overall online experience.

4. Add Wiring for Future WiFi Extenders or Access Points

As our technology usages changes, you may find that you need WiFi coverage in places you never imagined you would need it. Adding wiring for future WiFi extenders and access points helps ensure full-home WiFi coverage, even if you don’t need it right now. This is also ideal for multi-level houses or properties with thick walls where WiFi struggles to reach.

5. Wiring for Modern Home Tech

When planning out your future home connectivity needs, think beyond the internet. What kind of technology could be useful, either now or down the road? Consider prewiring for:

Security cameras and smart locks
Smart thermostats
Doorbell cameras
Media rooms or surround sound systems

Research smart home tech and see what might sound interesting to you. Don’t have it in the budget to install a smart security system just yet? Add wiring at all four corners and on all entrances. You’ll be saving money in the long run since adding that later will cost more and may require cutting into walls.

6. Whole-Home Surge Protection

Consider adding a surge protector at your breaker box and at individual outlets near your networking gear. Protecting sensitive electronics (router, ONT, PCs, TVs) from power surges is a smart add-on that could save you the stress and unexpected cost of replacing them after an unexpected power outage.

7. Battery Backup Unit (BBU)

Speaking of power outages, many fiber installations include a BBU for phone service, but it’s helpful to have one for your router, too. A BBU keeps critical systems (internet, smart security) online during short power outages. Also consider installing a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) in your data closet to ensure everything stays online, all the time.

The Long-Term Payoff: Adding Value to Your Home

Modern buyers increasingly prioritize reliable internet, especially with the rise in remote/hybrid work. A 2023 study showed that fiber-delivered internet access could increase a home’s value by almost 5%. A home that has access to fiber internet AND that is wired for whole-home coverage can be more appealing and may further increase resale value.

Know someone else considering building? Share this post with them!

Pick your perfect fiber internet plan and schedule today!

21Aug

By Editorin Technology

Smart Home Tech for Your Pets

Accompanying social post: Smart home tech isn’t just for people. Your pets deserve great WiFi, too! From cameras to smart feeders to GPS collars, check out how CITYNET’s fiber internet keeps your four-legged family members connected, safe, and happy.

When we talk about smart home technology, you may picture yourself managing lights, thermostats, security cameras, or streaming entertainment with just a tap or voice command. However, CITYNET knows your family often includes a furrier member or two (or more!). And, your pets deserve just as much consideration when it comes to consistent connectivity offered by fiber-powered broadband.

Smart tech isn’t just for people anymore. It can also make life easier for the four-legged members of the family and their humans. New pet owner seeking tools to help you monitor your new charge? Balancing life with a senior cat who needs a little extra attention? Trying to stay connected with a hyper Fido while you’re away? The growing world of smart pet tech has all kinds of solutions for your needs, and CITYNET has brought you a roundup of some of our favorite recommendations.

Of course, all of these features rely on one thing: a strong, steady home internet connection. With fiber from CITYNET you get the speed and reliability to stream, track, and automate your pet’s routine, without lag, buffering, or dropped signals.

Let’s dive into some of the best smart pet tech available today!

Pet Cameras: See What Your Pets Are Up To

Ever wonder what your dog or cat does all day while you’re out of the house? With a smart pet camera, you can check in anytime from your phone, see what they’re doing in real-time, and even say hello.

EBO Air Movable Pet Robot Camera
This robot camera is ideal for cats or small dogs and it moves around your home. It lets you check on your pets from different angles, record clips, and even interact with them via voice or motion. Better yet, it doesn’t require a subscription for basic features, and it’s small enough to scoot under furniture for those extra-quiet hiding spots.
TP-Link Tapo Indoor Pet Camera
Looking for a more stationary option? This indoor security cam offers crisp HD video, motion detection, two-way talk, and night vision, all for under $40. It’s great for checking in during the day and requires no subscription for core features. It also supports local storage with a micro-SD card, so you don’t need to pay for cloud service. This makes it a budget-friendly option that works well on a reliable WiFi network.

Smart Pet Feeders: Mealtimes Made Easy

Gone are the days of free-feeding or worrying about whether the pet sitter remembered breakfast. With a smart feeder, you can monitor, schedule, and even customize how and when your pet eats.

PETLIBRO Automatic Feeder with App Control
This feeder holds up to 5 pounds of food and lets you schedule measured feedings through an app. You can record a message to play at mealtime and ping your pet with a “meal call” alert. It also sends mobile notifications if the dispenser gets stuck, so you’re not left wondering if your pup ate dinner while you were out.
Want to keep an eye on your pet while they eat? This upgraded version includes a live camera feed, so you can see who’s at the bowl, when, and how often.
Two-Pet Smart Feeder with Dual Dispensers
Perfect for multi-pet households, this feeder dispenses food into two bowls and alerts you when it’s running low—no more empty bowls or guessing who ate what.

Smart Pet Doors: Secure Freedom

Letting your pet in and out throughout the day is easier with a smart door—and thanks to recent innovations, there are now great options for all home types.

Smart doors need dependable WiFi to respond instantly to triggers or app commands. With fiber internet and whole-home WiFi from CITYNET you won’t miss a beat (or a bark).

PetSafe SmartDoor Connected Pet Door
This traditional-looking smart pet door uses a collar-activated SmartKey and connects to your phone via the My PetSafe app. You can monitor in-and-out activity, lock or unlock remotely, and even set a schedule. Got someone stopping by? Lock the door remotely so your dog stays safely inside and out of the way.
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect
This high-tech option scans your pet’s microchip to control access without using any extra collar-mounted tags. It’s great for keeping stray animals (or neighborhood raccoons) out of your home. It mounts in doors, walls, or even glass and connects to your smartphone for easy scheduling and tracking.
Wayzn Smart Sliding Door Opener
If you’ve got a sliding glass door, Wayzn converts it into a smart pet door with no drilling or cutting required. It opens and closes your door automatically when your pet approaches using the optional Wayzn Pet Tag or your smartphone. It’s a great option for large dogs or homes where pet doors just aren’t feasible.

GPS Collars: Keep Track of Your Best Friend

If your pet is an escape artist or loves to explore off-leash, GPS tracking collars offer peace of mind and real-time location updates.

Halo Collar 4
The Halo Collar is more than just a GPS tracker—it’s a virtual fence, training system, and activity monitor in one. Use the app to set safe zones, track your pet in real time, and provide gentle feedback through sound, vibration, or static (customizable to your pet’s training style). It’s waterproof, rechargeable, and comes in fun colors. A subscription plan is required and starts at $9.99 per month, scaling up based on selected features.
Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs & Cats
A more affordable option that works with major cell networks (so long as you have great cellular coverage), Tractive offers accurate GPS tracking, fitness monitoring, and even bark alerts. With plans starting at around $5/month, it’s a budget-friendly way to always know where your furry friend is.

Tech That Has Your Back

Smart pet tech isn’t about replacing human care; it’s about enhancing it. These tools help you stay connected, informed, and proactive about your pet’s needs, even when life gets busy.

Of course, almost every device mentioned here depends on one key thing: a strong and stable internet connection. Whether it’s a camera stream, a consistent signal for a doggy door, or a smart feeder update, your pet tech can’t perform well on slow or spotty WiFi.

That’s why fiber internet from CITYNET is the smart choice. Whether it’s monitoring mealtimes, tracking their outdoor adventures, or just checking in for a mid-day tail wag, smart pet gear and a CITYNET internet connection make it easier than ever to keep your best friend happy, healthy, and safe.

View our Fiber Internet Plans and sign up today!

13Aug

By Editorin The Latest Scams

Watch Out for This Amazon Text Scam

A new text message scam is making the rounds, and it’s designed to look like it came straight from Amazon.

The message claims that an item you purchased has failed a “routine quality inspection” or has been recalled. It offers you a full refund without needing to return the product. All you have to do, it says, is tap the link provided in the text.

It sounds convenient, but it’s a trap. This is a smishing scam, short for SMS phishing, where cybercriminals use fake text messages to lure you into revealing personal information.

If you click the link, you’ll be taken to a convincing copy of Amazon’s official website. Once there, you’ll be prompted to enter your Amazon login credentials, payment information, and other sensitive data. Unfortunately, if you provide this information, the scammers can hijack your Amazon account, make purchases in your name, and even steal your money.

How to Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

Never tap links in unexpected text messages. If you need to check on an order, go directly to Amazon’s official website or app.
Be suspicious of “too good to be true” offers. Scammers count on the urgency of a no-questions-asked refund to make you act before thinking.
Report suspicious texts. Use your phone’s “Report Junk” or “Report Spam” feature, then delete the message.

At Citynet, we know that staying cyber-safe takes awareness as much as technology. That’s why we offer Security Awareness Training from KnowBe4 to help businesses and their employees recognize scams like this before they cause harm.

Stay alert. Stay secure. Stay protected with Citynet.

Don’t let someone you care about get caught. Pass this along so they can stay safe, too.

12Aug

By Editorin Technology

Tech Talk Decoded: Top Terms & Acronyms You Should Know in 2025

Technology changes fast, and so does the language that comes with it. Whether you’re talking about internet speeds, cybersecurity tools, or the latest Wi-Fi standards, new acronyms and buzzwords pop up all the time.

To help you stay in the know, here’s your plain-English guide to the top tech terms you might hear in 2025, plus real-world examples where it helps to make them click.

Broadband & Connectivity

Fiber – High-speed internet delivered via fiber-optic cables, offering faster and more reliable service than cable or DSL.

Example: Citynet’s fiber internet service delivering up to 10 GIG symmetrical speeds.

Symmetrical Speeds – Upload and download speeds that are the same — ideal for video calls, file uploads, and streaming.

Mbps – Megabits per second, a measure of internet speed.

Example: 1,000 Mbps = 1 GIG speed.

GIG – Short for gigabit, equal to 1,000 Mbps.

BEAD – Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, a federal funding initiative to expand high-speed internet in underserved areas.

Middle Mile – The network infrastructure that connects local access points (like neighborhoods) to the broader internet backbone.

Latency – The delay between sending and receiving data, important for gaming and video conferencing.

Wi-Fi & Networking

SSID – Service Set Identifier, your network’s public name.

Router – The device that sends internet signals throughout your home or business.

Mesh Wi-Fi – A system of multiple access points that provides stronger, more consistent coverage.

Example: Citynet’s mesh-capable routers paired with the Intellifi app.

Intellifi App – Citynet’s network control app that lets you manage devices, set parental controls, run speed tests, and more — all from your phone.

SSID Broadcast – Whether your Wi-Fi network name is visible to others.

Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 7 – The latest Wi-Fi standards offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better device handling.

Example: Wi-Fi 7 supports multi-gigabit speeds to handle dozens of connected devices simultaneously.

Business Tech

Phishing – A scam where attackers trick you into sharing personal information by pretending to be a trusted source.

Example: A fake email that looks like it’s from your bank asking you to “verify your account.”

Smishing – Phishing via text message (SMS).
Example: A text claiming to be from Amazon offering a refund if you click a link.

MFA – Multi-Factor Authentication, a security step requiring more than just a password to log in.

Example: Logging in with a password and a code sent to your phone.

VPN – Virtual Private Network, which encrypts your internet connection for privacy.

Example: Using a VPN to securely connect to your work network while traveling.

Ransomware – Malicious software that locks your files until you pay a ransom.

Example: The 2021 Colonial Pipeline cyberattack.

Zero Trust – A security model that assumes no user or device is trusted by default, even inside a network.

Deepfake – AI-generated audio, video, or images that convincingly mimic real people.
Social Engineering – Manipulating people into giving up confidential information.

Example: A caller pretending to be from IT asking for your login credentials.

Business Tech

VoIP – Voice over Internet Protocol, a phone service that runs over your internet connection.

Example: Citynet Business VoIP, Zoom Phone, RingCentral.

SaaS – Software as a Service, cloud-based applications you can use without installing software locally.

Popular Examples: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Zoom, Dropbox.

PaaS/IaaS – Platform as a Service / Infrastructure as a Service, cloud solutions for developers and businesses.

Popular Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Heroku.

IoT – Internet of Things, everyday objects connected to the internet, like smart thermostats or security cameras.

Example: Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, connected refrigerators.

UCaaS – Unified Communications as a Service, a cloud platform that integrates phone, messaging, and video conferencing.

Popular Examples: Webex, Microsoft Teams, RingCentral, Zoom Phone.

Edge Computing – Processing data closer to where it’s generated instead of relying solely on a central data center.

Example: Smart traffic lights analyzing vehicle flow locally to reduce delays.

Tech terms will keep evolving, but knowing the basics helps you make informed decisions, ask the right questions, and stay secure online.

At Citynet, we’re here to make technology work for you. Whether it’s delivering fiber internet, improving network performance, or providing cybersecurity solutions, we help you stay connected, informed, and protected.

23Jul

By Editorin Ransomware

Why Immutable Backup Should Be Part of Your Strategy

SMBs, Don’t Let Ransomware Destroy Your Business!

For small and medium-sized businesses, a single cyberattack can be devastating. Whether it’s ransomware, accidental deletion, or insider threats, losing your data means lost productivity, lost revenue, and in some cases, lost customers.

That’s where immutable backup comes in.

What is Immutable Backup?

Immutable backup means your backed-up data can’t be altered, deleted, or encrypted even by a hacker or rogue employee. Once your backup is saved, it’s locked in place for a set amount of time. You can restore it, but you can’t tamper with it.

This gives your business a clean, untouchable copy of your data you can rely on, no matter what.

Why It’s Critical for SMBs

SMBs are a top target for ransomware. Why? Because many don’t have the time, staff, or budget for enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Attackers know that. That’s why newer ransomware variants are built to seek out and destroy backups first, forcing businesses to pay up. With immutable backup, even if your network is compromised, your data is not. You can recover quickly and avoid paying the ransom.

Real-World Benefits for Your Business

Ransomware Resilience – Your backup stays safe even if your network is breached.
Regulatory Compliance – Meet HIPAA, PCI, or other industry requirements with confidence.
Peace of Mind – You don’t need to wonder if your backups will work when it counts.
Faster Recovery – Get back up and running without starting from scratch.
Cost-Effective Protection – Immutable backup is more affordable than you think—and far cheaper than downtime or ransom payments.

How Citynet Protects Your Business

At Citynet, we understand the unique challenges SMBs face. That’s why our managed IT and cybersecurity services are built to be powerful, practical, and scalable. No bloated solutions or confusing tech talk.

With Citynet, you get:

Immutable backups as part of our managed backup and disaster recovery plans
Monitoring and support from our in-house West Virginia-based team
Flexible cloud or hybrid options to fit your business size and budget
Expert guidance so you’re never left wondering what’s next

Let Citynet make your business ransomware-ready, recovery-capable, and future-proof!

22Jul

By Editorin Cybersecurity

The Scam You Haven’t Heard About Yet: Deepfake Voicemail Fraud

Cybercriminals are getting smarter – and sneakier. One of the fastest-growing threats targeting businesses right now? Deepfake voicemail scams.

How It Works

Attackers use AI to clone voices from public recordings—like YouTube videos, webinars, or even voicemail greetings. They then leave urgent-sounding voicemails pretending to be a CEO, manager, or trusted colleague, pressuring employees to:

Transfer money
Share sensitive information
Click a malicious link

These voicemails can sound incredibly convincing, and they don’t get flagged by email filters. This scam has already cost businesses millions globally. Smaller businesses are especially vulnerable because attackers often know that internal verification processes are less formal.

How to Stay Protected

Slow Down
Never rush to act on a voicemail, even if it sounds urgent.
Verify Requests
Call or message the person back using your regular contact methods, not the number in the voicemail.
Employee Awareness
Educate your team about this threat. A quick awareness session can prevent big losses.
Layered Security
Citynet Managed Services clients already benefit from advanced threat protections, but social engineering requires human awareness too.

The Bottom Line

Technology can now fake voices, but simple verification steps can stop scams in their tracks. Need help with security awareness training? Citynet can help.

21Jul

By Editorin News

Citynet President & CEO Jim Martin Appointed to West Virginia University Board of Governors

Bridgeport, W.Va., July 21, 2025 – Citynet is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Jim Martin, has been appointed to the West Virginia University (WVU) Board of Governors by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Mr. Martin joins a distinguished group of appointees that includes Bray Cary and Oliver Luck, both well-respected leaders in business and sports management. Their appointments reflect a commitment to strong, forward-looking leadership at the state’s flagship university.

A lifelong West Virginian and entrepreneur, Jim Martin has been a champion for broadband expansion and technology advancement across the Mountain State. As the founder of Citynet, one of West Virginia’s leading telecommunications and broadband infrastructure companies, Martin has worked tirelessly to improve broadband access, especially in rural and underserved areas. He launched his first company, MARCOM, while studying computer science at WVU and has continued to drive innovation and economic opportunity throughout his career.

“I am honored to be appointed to the WVU Board of Governors,” said Martin. “West Virginia University helped shape my path as an entrepreneur and business leader. I look forward to giving back to my alma mater and supporting its critical mission of preparing future generations of West Virginians for success.”

Martin has a long history of public service, having served on the West Virginia Broadband Deployment Council and the boards of the West Virginia State Chamber of Commerce and the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce. His work alongside state and local governments, nonprofit coalitions, and industry partners has made a significant impact in advancing high-speed fiber connectivity across the state.

“We are incredibly proud of Jim’s appointment to the WVU Board of Governors,” said Todd Dlugos, Chief Operating Officer of Citynet. “Jim’s leadership has always been rooted in a deep love for West Virginia and a desire to see it thrive. WVU will benefit from his business expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to our state’s future.”

Governor Morrisey also reappointed Bray Cary, a seasoned media executive, and named Oliver Luck, a nationally recognized sports executive and WVU alumnus, to the Board of Governors. Together, these appointees bring decades of leadership experience and a shared passion for strengthening West Virginia’s educational and economic landscape.

11Jul

By Editorin Cybersecurity

Don’t Be Fooled: Why Every Business Must Prepare for the Rise of Deepfake Attacks

Cybercriminals are getting craftier. It’s no longer just about phishing emails or suspicious links. Today’s attackers are using hyper-realistic deepfakes to impersonate voices and faces. These new threats are blurring the lines between real and fake, and every business, no matter the size, is at risk.

Deepfakes: The New Face of Social Engineering

Social engineering has always been about exploiting human trust. But now, AI-driven deepfakes make it shockingly easy for threat actors to create fake audio or video messages that look and sound just like someone you know: your boss, your vendor, your colleague.

Imagine getting a voicemail that sounds exactly like your CEO asking for an urgent wire transfer. Would you think twice?

These attacks are highly convincing, and that’s the danger.

What You Need to Do

To defend your business, you need more than firewalls. You need smart policies, constant vigilance, and a trusted technology partner.

Here are five essential steps to take:

Educate Your Team
Make sure everyone from entry-level staff to leadership understands the risks of deepfakes and social engineering. Awareness is your first defense.
Always Verify Suspicious Requests
If you receive a call, email, or message requesting sensitive information, login credentials, or financial transfers, even if it appears or sounds legitimate, stop and verify. Contact that person directly using a method you’ve used before (such as their known mobile number, internal extension, or direct email address).
Never trust a communication at face value, especially if it pressures you to act quickly or bypass normal procedures.
Implement Strong Access Controls
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access, and password policies to reduce the impact of compromised accounts.
Back Up Your Data Regularly
If something does go wrong, a secure, cloud-based backup can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a business-ending disaster.
Partner with a Cybersecurity Expert
The threat landscape is too complex to go it alone.

Citynet Has Your Back

Citynet helps businesses stay protected with comprehensive managed security services, including:

Real-time Threat Detection and Response
Security Awareness Training, including social engineering and phishing simulation
24/7 Network Monitoring
Cloud Backup & Disaster Recovery
Zero Trust Solutions and MFA Integration
Proactive Patch & Vulnerability Management

07Jul

By Editorin Technology

Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 7: What’s the Difference, and Why It Matters for Your Internet Experience

As more of our lives go online, streaming, gaming, working from home, and managing smart devices, reliable Wi-Fi is more important than ever. But not all Wi-Fi is created equal. If you’ve seen terms like Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 and wondered how they compare to what you already have, you’re not alone.

Let’s break down the differences between today’s most common Wi-Fi versions so you can decide if an upgrade might be right for you.

Wi-Fi 5: The Workhorse Most People Still Use

Also known as 802.11ac, Wi-Fi 5 has been around since 2014 and is still the most widely used version today. It brought faster speeds and better support for multiple devices than its predecessor, making it a reliable option for general use like HD streaming and web browsing.

Key Features:

Top speeds up to 3.5 Gbps
Uses the 5 GHz band (less interference than 2.4 GHz)
Good for homes with fewer smart devices

Limitations:

Not ideal for homes with lots of connected devices
Can struggle in larger homes or through walls

Wi-Fi 6: Built for a Connected World

Wi-Fi 6 (also called 802.11ax) came out in 2019 and is designed to handle the explosion of connected devices. It’s faster and more efficient, especially in busy households or offices.

Benefits Over Wi-Fi 5:

Speeds up to 9.6 Gbps
Supports more devices at once with less slowdown
Improved performance in congested areas (think apartments or smart homes)
Better battery life for phones and laptops

Why Upgrade?

If your home is filled with smart TVs, security cameras, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles, Wi-Fi 6 can keep everything running smoothly, even during peak usage.

Wi-Fi 7: The Next Generation (and It’s Blazing Fast)

Wi-Fi 7 (aka 802.11be) is just rolling out and is the most advanced version yet. It’s built for future-forward homes and businesses, where ultra-high-definition video, AR/VR, and lightning-fast downloads are the norm.

What’s New with Wi-Fi 7:

Potential speeds of over 40 Gbps
Lower latency for gaming and video calls
Ideal for dense environments like offices, stadiums, or homes with heavy users

Should You Upgrade Now?

Wi-Fi 7 routers are available, but most devices don’t support it yet. If you want to future-proof your network, it’s worth considering, but Wi-Fi 6 is still more than enough for most users today.

The Bottom Line: Your Router Matters, But So Does Your Internet Connection

Even the best Wi-Fi router can only do so much if your internet connection is slow or outdated. Citynet’s GIG Fiber Internet delivers blazing-fast, symmetrical speeds (upload and download) and works beautifully with the latest Wi-Fi tech. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi 5, 6, or exploring Wi-Fi 7, a solid fiber backbone makes all the difference.

02Jul

By Editorin Cybersecurity

SMBs, Don’t Let Ransomware Destroy Your Business

Why Immutable Backup Should Be Part of Your Strategy

For small and medium-sized businesses, a single cyberattack can be devastating. Whether it’s ransomware, accidental deletion, or insider threats, losing your data means lost productivity, lost revenue, and in some cases, lost customers.

That’s where immutable backup comes in.

What is Immutable Backup?

Immutable backup means your backed-up data can’t be altered, deleted, or encrypted, even by a hacker or rogue employee. Once your backup is saved, it’s locked in place for a set amount of time. You can restore it, but you can’t tamper with it.

This gives your business a clean, untouchable copy of your data you can rely on, no matter what.

Why It’s Critical for SMBs

SMBs are a top target for ransomware. Why? Because many don’t have the time, staff, or budget for enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Attackers know that. That’s why newer ransomware variants are built to seek out and destroy backups first, forcing businesses to pay up.

With immutable backup, even if your network is compromised, your data is not. You can recover quickly and avoid paying the ransom.

Real-World Benefits for Your Business

Ransomware Resilience – Your backup stays safe, even if your network is breached.
Regulatory Compliance – Meet HIPAA, PCI, or other industry requirements with confidence.
Peace of Mind – You don’t need to wonder if your backups will work when it counts.
Faster Recovery – Get back up and running without starting from scratch.
Cost-Effective Protection – Immutable backup is more affordable than you think—and far cheaper than downtime or ransom payments.

How Citynet Protects Your Business

With Citynet, you get:

Immutable backups as part of our managed backup and disaster recovery plans
Monitoring and support from our in-house West Virginia-based team
Flexible cloud or hybrid options to fit your business size and budget
Expert guidance so you’re never left wondering what’s next

Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Protect Your Data

If your current backup could be deleted, encrypted, or overwritten… it’s not enough. And when disaster strikes, it’s too late to fix it.

Immutable backup gives you the confidence to grow your business, knowing your data is secure.

Let’s make your business ransomware-ready, recovery-capable, and future-proof.

Contact us today or call us at 1.844.CITYNET.